42 complete BDF training

It was a proud moment for the 42 new recruits of the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) when the spotlight shone on them at their passing out ceremony on Saturday.

After 16 weeks of stringent training, the youngsters put on a spectacular performance for their friends, family and officials at the ceremony held at St Ann’s Forte, St Michael.

They showcased the drills, military tactics and skills they learnt throughout their training much to the delight of the audience who cheered and applauded.

Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams told the recruits that they must remain brave and alert and ready to defend Barbados when called upon to do so.

“This is not a calling for the weak or the faint of heart. Your instructors have provided a solid foundation for you to excel in an exceedingly volatile and complex operating environment and you must be ready to answer the call to protect Barbados from all threats,” he said.

“This passing out parade is a culmination of 16 weeks of training, which is engineered to transform civilians into military persons who function in the interest of the national security of Barbados. Your training was intense; at times it must have seemed impossible to achieve the high standards of this course. This was not by chance. Your training is designed to prepare you for a successful career in the profession of arms.”

The Minister also told the new inductees to maintain the BDF’s high standards and have pride and honour in their service, noting that younger generations would be looking up to them as “beacons of light in your community”.

Military Advisor to the Chief of Staff Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Lovell gave remarks on behalf of the Chief of Staff Commodore Errington Shurland.

Lovell said that we lived in an era of declining societal values and escalating social decay and this magnified the significance of the new recruits’ decision to serve.

“These recruits have chosen a noble and patriotic path. There is clear indication that there is hope for the future of this country. They truly deserve more praise and our support . . .,” he said.

Among those awarded were Jonathan Greenidge, who received the Best Recruit award and Shawn Holder who was regarded as the Best Marksman. (SZB)